Renewable energy engineers are in high demand in the U.S., and mechanical engineers are essential for renewable energy projects. A renewable energy engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining renewable energy systems such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. To get a job in renewable energy engineering as a mechanical engineer, it’s important to understand the salary range, job description, and outlook for renewable energy engineering jobs.
This article will cover the salary range for renewable energy engineering jobs for mechanical engineers, along with the job description and outlook for renewable energy engineering jobs in the U.S., and how job seekers can find positions in this industry.
Job Description for Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable energy engineers are responsible for designing energy systems and components, such as solar panels and wind turbines. Also called green engineers, they utilize research, mathematics, design, and testing strategies to create solutions that don’t damage the environment.
Generally, renewable energy engineers are responsible for creating beautiful solutions for generating clean energy. Sometimes this means using current technology in different locations, like erecting a solar array outside of a city. Other times it might involve making existing technology more efficient or coming up with brand-new methods that get power from renewable sources.
Other areas that may be included in the scope of work of renewable energy engineers include:
- Creating plans and schematics for renewable energy systems
- Monitoring renewable energy technologies
- Conducting research on renewable energy sources
- Installing renewable energy systems
- Troubleshooting renewable energy system problems
- Developing renewable energy policies
Job Requirements for Renewable Energy Engineers
You will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to enter the engineering field. For example, if you want to work as a mechanical engineer, you must become licensed in all states. However, studying for an advanced degree like a Master of Science in Engineering can also help land higher-paying roles down the road.
Being a renewable energy engineer requires a deep understanding of renewable energy principles and technologies. Additionally, you must be able to develop innovative solutions to ever-evolving renewable energy challenges.
Salary Range for Renewable Energy Engineers
The salary range for renewable energy engineers is quite wide-ranging, depending on experience and education level. According to PayScale, the median annual salary for renewable energy engineers in the U.S. is $82,000 per year, and the pay ranges from $50,000 to $132,000 annually.
Factors that can affect the pay include experience level, educational qualifications, location, and industry. Completing an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Engineering, can help you qualify for higher-paying roles.
Outlook for Renewable Energy Jobs
The International Labour Organization’s report found that in 2021, worldwide employment in renewable energy reached 12.7 million — an increase of 700,000 jobs from the year before. This growth is despite the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and the worsening energy crisis. Out of all renewable energy sectors, solar power had the highest growth rate. By 2021 it gave 4.3 million people jobs. This is more than a third of the current renewable energy workforce worldwide.
According to a recent U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), the switch from traditional energy sources to renewables is also jumpstarting job growth in the United States. Out of the 7.8 million jobs available in America’s energy sector, more than 3 million are positions that would help support America’s goal of being carbon-neutral by 2050. This means that renewable energy jobs made up around 40% of all energy jobs as recently as 2021.
So to answer the question: will there be plenty of renewable energy jobs for mechanical engineers? The answer is yes — and there’s no better time than now to jump into renewable energy engineering.
If you have a passion for using technology and innovation to save the planet, then consider becoming a renewable energy engineer. This important field is key to protecting our environment and future generations, and your work may help save lives. In addition to making a difference, you’ll also get to work with cutting-edge equipment while designing innovative clean energy solutions.
Start Your Career In Renewable Energy Through TruPath
Are you ready to start your career in renewable energy? TruPath Search can help. Our team of professional recruiters specializes in renewable energy jobs and has access to dozens of renewable energy engineering roles across the U.S.
We understand that renewable energy engineering is complex and fast-paced — so we take the time to get to know you and your goals. We’ll then use our extensive renewable energy network to connect you with the perfect renewable energy job for you.
Contact us today to start your renewable energy career journey!